Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the small central team integrating across activity and force design will require (a) newly created posts and (b) a reallocation of existing posts.

The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department.

The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.

The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.